Page 1
Page 2
Page 3
Page 4
Page 5
Page 6
Page 7
Page 8
Page 9
Page 10
Page 11
Page 12
Page 13
Page 14
Page 15
Page 16
Wednesday October 21 2015 9 Eighth Lawrie Hobart invitational fills Fort Smith SPORTS RECREATION VOLLEYBALL By CRAIG GILBERT Dozens of teams hundreds of players and thousands of dollars flowed into Fort Smith as the former PWK Invitational Volleyball Tournament rolled into town for four days of action. The tournament has been running as the Lawrie Hobart Invitational Tournament for the past eight years but has a quarter- century of history that stretches farther back than Paul W. Kaeser High School principal Al Karasiuks 20-year career in education in Fort Smith. The tournaments namesake was a long- serving educator in Fort Smith who was as dedicated to his students recreational oppor- tunities as he was to their academics. Lawriewasoneofthepeoplewhostartedit in the first place and his sport was volleyball Karasiuk said. There were 44 teams registered last year one more than in 2014 bringing more than 450 players to the high school and the towns recreationcentretocompeteinfouragegroups for players from Grade 67 to U-19.The games started on Thursday afternoon continued to the opening ceremonies Friday night and wrappedupwithgoldmedalgamesonSunday. As always the teens flocked to local busi- nesses including Berros Rapid Convenience and the Rusty Raven their pockets stuffed with cash. A steady lineup of about 10 teens at theconveniencestoreonFridaynightseemed to be looking for excuses to spend their walk- ing money. Fort Smith Chamber of Commerce presi- dent Janie Hobart who volunteers annually at the tournament dedicated to her late hus- band said the tournament brings in as much as 100000 of sports tourism revenue to the community each year. The businesses support the recreational teams so much she said in 2014. We really appreciate the opportunity to give back. Many of the more than 450 athletes taking part in the tournament were drummed in to the opening ceremonies held at the recreation complex Friday night. A Sir John Franklin Falcon takes flight during round-robin action on Friday. PhotosPaulBannisterandCraigGilbert A total of 44 teams registered for the tournament one more than in 2014. The competition was fierce at the recreation centre where the senior teams played.